“Your grandma and sister would both be so very proud of you.” Grandma is hugging Charlie, who is now full-on crying, not that I expected much else today.
This has easily been the most emotional day in my life, in the best possible way.
My mom finally gets through the crowd, and I fear she’ll be squeezing the life out of me any second now. “I’m so happy for you, Hudson. You couldn’t have done a better job of finding a woman to have a family with, or I guess I should say, finding a family to have a family with.”
We both look down at the movement around our legs, and my mom picks up Mira, who has been pulling on her skirt.
“Grandma and Daddy.”
“Hey, little angel,” my mom coos, blowing raspberries on her neck. Then she looks past Mira at me. “The very best, sweetie. I don’t think there’s anyone better for you in this whole wide world.”
“I completely agree. Thanks, Mom.”
She hugs me again, and Mira climbs from her arms into mine just as Charlie wraps her arms around us too.
The best family I could have ever dreamed of.
Bonus Chapter Two
Hudson and Charlie - First Meeting
Hudson
As I round the corner of my street, I finally slow down my run to a walk. My house is at the end of the cul-de-sac, and I can’t deny how happy I am to be home again. I take off my T-shirt and wipe off the sweat that’s running down my body.
One of the many reasons I bought this house years ago was the forest two streets over because you can’t beat a run in nature. After flying into Los Angeles early this morning, I only dropped off my bags at the house before getting in a much-needed workout in the beautiful outdoors.
When I walk back into the house a few minutes later, I’m immediately engulfed in the sweet scent of baking.
Thank you, Grandma.
She doesn’t even know I’m coming, but this is exactly what I need right now.
After closing the front door, I walk straight into the kitchen. The shower can definitely wait for this.
“Gosh, what smells so good in here? I would have come back earlier if I had known this was waiting for me.” My words echo in the foyer as I make my way across the lobby in long strides.
Even though I’ve been looking forward to some quiet time at the house to regain some much-needed energy and ideas for my music, I don’t mind having Grandma live here with me until the renovations are completed at her house.
Rounding the corner of the kitchen, I wipe more sweat off my face.
“Aaaaahhh!” The yell gets my attention right away, especially since I immediately realize it’s not Grandma’s voice.
I slowly peek over the T-shirt still covering my face, but before I can even get a good look at the woman in front of me, she throws something straight at my face.
Thankfully, whatever she threw falls off my face within a second, and I stare at the big mass that’s now right in front of my feet on the floor. I touch my cheek, peeling off one of the remaining pieces.
Dough.
Interesting.
Seems like it wasn’t Grandma baking after all.
Either I just landed in some alternate universe, or I’m in some sort of a shock because despite what just happened, I can’t help but be amused. Especially now that I can get a good look at my attacker.
“Oh my gosh!” She covers her mouth with her hands, but it’s impossible to miss that she’s having a hard time keeping a straight face.
Suddenly, she laughs. Like, really laughs. She’s holding her stomach, and her loud laugh echoes through the whole kitchen. I’m pretty sure she just snorted too.
So freaking beautiful.
I will not make this easy for her though.
“Well, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, at least.” The words are out of my mouth, my voice not matching my inner thoughts at all. She immediately freezes at my words and stares at me in shock. A moment later, she visibly relaxes when I can’t hold back my smirk any longer.
So much about making it tough for her.
She studies me and, for some weird reason, I hope she likes what she sees. Because I certainly like what I see.
A lot.
From my standpoint, her legs seem to go on forever, and she’s got plenty of curves in all the right places. Her blonde hair is knotted together on top of her head, in some hairstyle that looks way too complicated, and her blue eyes bore straight into mine.
Mesmerizing.
The Supernatural T-shirt she’s wearing is covered in baking ingredients, making her look even more adorable.
Is this woman for real?
She straightens up and clears her throat. “I’m so sorry.”
Oh, not so fast, sweetheart.
“Huh. I wouldn’t have guessed. You were almost doubled over with laughter.”
My comment makes her blush, and I feel a little guilty for causing it, yet I can’t look away from her gorgeous face for even a second.
“Who are you?” Her voice is more confident now.
Now it’s my turn to double over in laughter. She can’t possibly not know who I am. Not only would that be comical, but also straight-up picture-perfect.
“Could you, uh, could you maybe cover yourself up a little?” She waves her hands in my general direction, and I can’t hold back my grin at that request. Usually, women tell me the opposite, so this is more than just a little refreshing.
I actually can’t remember the last time I had this much fun.
Apparently, she’s not yet done giving me a piece of her mind. “It’s a bit inappropriate, if you ask me. Don’t you feel uncomfortable like this, in front of a stranger?” She’s trying her best to not look at me and my body, but from where I’m standing, she’s losing the battle.
I’m trying to keep the laughter at bay this time, not wanting to embarrass her again.
“So, who are you?” She repeats her earlier question, and I admire her for being so outspoken and direct.
“Well”—I rub the stubble on my face—“I’ve been gone for a few months, but the last time I checked, this was my house. So, the real question is, who are you?”
I point my finger at her and can see the wheels turning in her head at my response.
“Oh.” Her mouth forms a perfect O-shape for several seconds, drawing my attention to her pink lips. “Hannah didn’t mention anything about you coming back. She said we’d have the place to ourselves.”
So, she knows Grandma. That means she’s not a crazy person, though I probably should’ve considered that a little earlier. Then again, crazy stalkers usually throw themselves at me, not a ball of dough, and don’t ask me to put on more clothes.
“That’s probably because I didn’t tell her or anyone else about it. It was supposed to be a surprise.” I study her as her eyes go wide. “Looks like I’m the one surprised instead, though.”
A loud wail suddenly fills the silence between us, and I automatically look around the kitchen, trying to figure out where it’s coming from. “What the hell was that?”
Her whole face changes as she looks at me. With her lips pressed together in a thin line, she aims her pointed gaze at me. “That was the baby monitor. Looks like my baby is up.”
A baby? She has a baby? Does that mean there’s a husband around here too somewhere?
The thought of that disappoints me. Unsure on how to react to this news, I stand there and stare at her, frozen in place, even when she comes straight toward me.
“If you’ll excuse me, please.” Her words are a low murmur, her gaze focused on the floor.
When I finally realize she’s trying to get past me, I reluctantly step aside, letting her sweet scent fill my senses. After leaving the kitchen, I hear her going up the stairs to the bedrooms. I stare after her like an idiot, still dumbfounded and confused about everything that just happened.
At the same time, I’m completely thrilled and elated and, to be honest, more than just a little fascinated.
I’m still on some sort of a high from meeting this mysterious stranger when my brain is suddenly filled with music.
It’s so clear—the melody, the words—all so beautiful, it makes me want to scream with happiness.
I bolt up the stairs and to my bedroom as fast as I can, knowing there’s a big, empty notebook waiting for me.
One thing is for sure.
My mystery woman is a miracle, and I can’t wait to see her again.
Bonus Chapter Three
Mitchell Baby
Hudson
Seeing Charlie in pain absolutely breaks my heart. Even though her face is a mixture of concentration and determination, I can see the underlying discomfort, and boy, do I wish I could help her, do anything to take away the pain. Sadly, my hands are tied. At least there are several nurses and a doctor here to help her as much as they can.
Our hands are entwined, and I know another contraction is coming, as she squeezes so hard, I’m afraid my bones might shatter at any moment.
Talk about superwoman strength when you give birth.
Once the contraction has passed, I lean in so our foreheads touch.
“You’ve got this.” I keep my voice but a whisper, getting a small smile from her. “I love you so much.”
“Love you too.” The words come out a little forced, and I can tell she’s slowly gearing up for another wave.
This is a tough business.
“Come on, sweetheart. Push as hard as you can. You’re almost there.”
I give her some room, and I’m more than just a little relieved to see I was right. A few pushes later, and she’s done.
She actually did it.
Our little baby was born.
After a quick check and the relief-inducing first wail, one of the nurses lays him on Charlie’s chest where we continue to stare at our little miracle for what feels like forever.
“I can’t believe he’s really here.” Tears run down Charlie’s face, but she doesn’t bother wiping them.
Pointless to say, I’m right there with her.
This moment isn’t comparable to anything I’ve ever done or witnessed in my entire life. There is nothing more precious than seeing your little baby for the first time, and to marvel at the sheer magic of it even existing.
I kiss Charlie’s forehead while our sweet boy is holding on to one of my fingers with more strength than I ever thought a little human being could have, at only a few minutes old. “I can’t tell you how incredibly proud I am of you. You did so well. Who am I kidding? You were super fantastic. You’re my hero.”
She chuckles quietly next to me. “You’re silly, Hudson.” Then she turns to our new family member. “Did you hear Daddy talking? He’s silly, isn’t he? He’s probably just relieved that I had to push you out, and not him.”
“Well, I can’t say I’m not glad I didn’t have to do that part. You did it a million times better, anyway.”
We’re quiet again, staring at our baby boy some more until one nurse takes him over to the little station to check him properly. I stay with Charlie until she tells me to go over to make sure he’s okay.
Peeking over the nurse’s shoulder, it’s impossible to pry my eyes away from our baby’s tiny body. All those cute little fingers and toes.
“Do you want to hold him?” The nurse is done with her check and has him all wrapped up in a blanket, even though he still looks tiny and fragile.
I swallow hard. “Can I?”
She laughs. “Of course you can.”
When she hands me my little bundle, I notice for the first time he’s wearing a little hat too. But it’s his gaze that completely captures my attention. I’m lost in his eyes as we stare at each other.
“Hi, Jaxon. We’re all so happy you’re finally here.”
After a moment, he turns his head to the side, making little smacking sounds.
“Looks like someone is hungry.” The nurse takes him from me and brings him over to Charlie so she can feed him.
The nurse is there to help, and I’m happy we’ve had such a great team around us for this experience.
She gives Charlie an encouraging smile. “You’re doing great. He’s already eating like a champ, which is perfect. I’ll check to make sure your room is good to go. Once you’re all cleaned up and ready, we’ll bring you upstairs. I’ve heard there are quite a few people waiting for you too.”
“Thank you,” Charlie replies, smiling widely.
“Of course.” The nurse nods at us and heads out, and then it’s just us and the baby for a moment.
“I still can’t believe I really did it.” Charlie turns for a moment, her words only mumbles. “He’s really here, Hudson. Our little baby boy Jaxon is really here.”
“You’re incredible.” I bend down to get closer to her, and I have a feeling she might hear this a lot more. Having witnessed her giving birth to our child has already changed everything.
There is nothing I could ever do to repay her for this, absolutely nothing.
“Stop it already.” She chuckles, a slight blush staining her cheeks.
I kiss her forehead first, and then little Jaxon’s. “Never.”
“I hope you’re ready for this,” I tell Charlie as I walk back into her new room an hour later. “You have about two minutes before Mom, Grandma, and Mira get here. I practically sprinted down the corridor to have a head start. Mom was about ready to burst when I walked into the waiting room.”
Charlie laughs.
“Gosh, you’re so beautiful.” I walk over to her and give her a soft kiss on her mouth, cherishing the warm contact for a few moments until there’s a knock on the door.
Mirabelle comes hopping in with my mom and Grandma in tow.
“Is that him?” She points at the little wrapped-up bundle in Charlie’s arms.
Charlie nods. “Do you want to come up here to see him?”
Mirabelle practically jumps into my arms, so I can lift her up. I put her on the hospital bed next to Charlie and the baby.
“Mommy, he’s sleeping. And he’s so tiny. Can I hold him?”
“Of course, sweetie. Remember, you have to be very careful and gentle with him, okay?”
Mirabelle nods her head and beams as Charlie puts Jaxon into her arms. “Hi, little baby brother. I’m your big sister. We will have so much fun together. But don’t play with my toys, okay? Mommy and Daddy will get you your own.”
She bends down to give him a little kiss on his cheek, and I think my heart might explode in a second. I can hear my mom’s quiet sobs next to me, and I know Charlie’s eyes aren’t dry either. Grandma chuckles on the other side of my mom, but I can see her wiping her face too.
That seems to be all for Mira already as she wriggles, pushing her blanket-wrapped brother back to Charlie.
The attention span of a two-year-old.
She’s happily snuggling into her mom’s side as Charlie turns to my mom. “Are you ready to hold him, Grandma?”
One look at my mom and I know she won’t get a word out. She’s biting her lip, probably to keep from crying more, and nods eagerly at Charlie. I go get our little baby boy, and after sneaking in a quick kiss for my son, I hand him over to my mom, watching my grandma as she eagerly waits for her turn.
My son.
My family.
My heart.
Bonus Chapter Four
Happy Halloween
Charlie
“Babe, calm down.” I’m trying to keep a straight face because I know laughing might make this situation even worse, but Hudson is slowly driving me insane.
“Calm down? Have you seen her?” Hudson points toward our bedroom door, and I nod.
“Yes.”
“And?”
I walk over to him and put my hands on his chest until he looks at me. “We’ve talked about this before. Mira’s sixteen. I know she’s your baby, but you need to give her some freedom or she might rebel even more.”
“I don’t like it. That costume is way too sexy for
her.”
I pat his chest, right on top of the Batman symbol. I feel like I’ve been doing this a lot lately, especially since our baby girl turned sixteen a few months ago. “She definitely doesn’t look like a nun, but it’s really not that bad either. Not to mention, Jeremy is a good guy.”
“Don’t even get me started on her having a boyfriend.” He pinches his lips so hard, they completely lose their color.
This time, I can’t keep the laughter from bubbling up. “I won’t, but you have to accept it, sooner or later. She’s growing up, whether you want her to or not. Jaxon and the twins will be there in just a few years too. You might as well get used to it now.”
“Ugh.” He lets out a big sigh, being extra dramatic. “Fine.”
I go up on my tippy-toes to give him a kiss. “Be good and I might just have a surprise for you later.”
His eyes widen as his eyebrows shoot up an inch. Seems like that helped to divert his attention, as he’s unable to keep the curiosity out of his voice. “What kind of surprise are we talking about?”
Pulling me closer, he gives my butt a squeeze under my Batgirl skirt.
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” I wink at him, snaking my hands up his broad shoulders and around his neck. Our lips meet a moment later, hungry and hot, making me sigh into his mouth.
“Ew, guys. Do you have to do that?”
I pull away from Hudson, and we both turn toward the now open door. Mira is standing there with a slightly disgusted look on her face that only makes me laugh. “Yes, sweetie, we absolutely have to do that. How about you actually knock before you walk into a room? Might save you your eyesight, you know?”
She sticks out her tongue, but I can see the corners of her mouth twitch. I saw through her game a long time ago. All super tough on the outside while she’s still the same lovely girl on the inside. But she doesn’t need to know I’ve figured her out.
“Are you all ready for the party then?” I point at her costume, the same one Hudson just freaked out about—for the fifth time this week. It really isn’t that bad, though. I think the problem is that he still hasn’t gotten used to her slowly turning into a woman, complete with boobs, a boyfriend, and all the other fun stuff. It’s not her fault she got my sister’s generous chest size.
The Mitchell Brothers Collection: A Feel-Good Romance Box Set Page 32